and my toy lens, Canon 400 5.6L, I'm debating whether to take my 500.
Is it too much lens for the wildlife ops I may encounter there or is it too much to carry (getting bogged down)
Landscapes are my main objective there; rivers; streams; mountains; etc., but I'd love to get wildlife shots there too. In Shenandoah, I did well simply with the 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4x. I was planning on using the 400.
I'm driving up there, so airline limitations is not an issue.
This is my first time out there so for those experienced with the area (will be hanging out in Gatlinburg for 3 days; Blowing Rock for 3 days with drive up Blue Ridge Parkway through Ashville up to Otter Creek.
Your best place for wildlife in the Smokies is Cades Cove where most shots can be taken from your vehicle or a short distance from your vehicle. I would definitely take the big lens if for no other reason to maintain a safe distance from bears.
The gate at Cades Cove does not open till daylight. However on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it does not open till 10:00 am
Michael,
I am new around here but I do live 15 minutes from the western entrance of GSMNP and Cades Cove, Tremont, etc. I am in the park at least twice a week and this time of the year is "bear season" in Cades Cove.
You didn't say when your trip is scheduled but your small lens choices will work well for all that you have planned (thru the 70-200) I don't believe that I would take both the 400 and the 500. 99% of the time I have my 500mm lens w/ a 1.4 tc on one camera and the 70-200 on the other. This combo works very well for me on the wildlife hunts in Cades Cove.
If you like to photograph waterfalls and features don't miss an easy hike up the Middle Prong trail in the Tremont area. Within a mile of the parking area you will find three or four excellent small waterfalls /features.
Discussion
2 repliesmy 17-40, 24-105, 24 Tilt Shift, and 70-200,
and my toy lens, Canon 400 5.6L, I'm debating whether to take my 500.
Is it too much lens for the wildlife ops I may encounter there or is it too much to carry (getting bogged down)
Landscapes are my main objective there; rivers; streams; mountains; etc., but I'd love to get wildlife shots there too. In Shenandoah, I did well simply with the 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4x. I was planning on using the 400.
I'm driving up there, so airline limitations is not an issue.
This is my first time out there so for those experienced with the area (will be hanging out in Gatlinburg for 3 days; Blowing Rock for 3 days with drive up Blue Ridge Parkway through Ashville up to Otter Creek.
Thanks
Michael
Your best place for wildlife in the Smokies is Cades Cove where most shots can be taken from your vehicle or a short distance from your vehicle. I would definitely take the big lens if for no other reason to maintain a safe distance from bears.
The gate at Cades Cove does not open till daylight. However on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it does not open till 10:00 am
I am new around here but I do live 15 minutes from the western entrance of GSMNP and Cades Cove, Tremont, etc. I am in the park at least twice a week and this time of the year is "bear season" in Cades Cove.
You didn't say when your trip is scheduled but your small lens choices will work well for all that you have planned (thru the 70-200) I don't believe that I would take both the 400 and the 500. 99% of the time I have my 500mm lens w/ a 1.4 tc on one camera and the 70-200 on the other. This combo works very well for me on the wildlife hunts in Cades Cove.
If you like to photograph waterfalls and features don't miss an easy hike up the Middle Prong trail in the Tremont area. Within a mile of the parking area you will find three or four excellent small waterfalls /features.